Job summary The Category Manager will work as part of the IT and Corporate category team as the dedicated IT category manager. The main objectives of the role will be to provide the contractual requirements for the service, deliver the best possible value for the organisation on the external provision of IT goods and services and build excellent relationships with key stakeholders within the EPR implementation project. This is a developmental role and part of the departmental succession planning with the expectation that the Category Manager will follow a structured development programme to support them to achieve a Senior Category Manager role. Please note this recruitment is for a 12 month period, to cover an internal secondment of the incumbent to support a particular IT re-procurement. Main duties of the job This role will be responsible for managing the relationships with the relevant national framework hosts, our suppliers and identifying new opportunities and trends that the organisation will need to respond to, both in terms of compliance and capturing value while supporting the delivery of excellent patient outcomes. The Category Manager will use their market and service knowledge to deliver procurements and contracts that maximise value for money, comply with internal governance requirements and relevant legislation whilst balancing the demands of service delivery in a dynamic, multi-site acute and teaching hospital The Category Manager will also ensure the provision of procurement advice to operational and corporate departments to support ongoing contract management. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/ Date posted 17 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Home or remote working Reference number 279-7106269-APR25 Job locations St Richards Hospital, (Chichester) or Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton) 19 Spitalfield Lane Chichester or Brighton BN2 5BE Job description Job responsibilities Communication Engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels and in sensitive situations, delivering difficult messages where required to Trust Directors and senior clinical and operational leaders. Employ effective communication, negotiation and influencing skills to enable stakeholder relationships to deliver objectives over the duration of projects/programmes including where there may be complex and conflicting stakeholder objectives. Build and maintain the reputation of the procurement service as a highly professional and enabling business partnering service. Champion procurement and promote the benefits of leading procurement practices internally and externally, resulting in procurement having a visible and high profile at all levels. Lead the negotiation of complex, multi-year contracts for services and subsequent contract management on behalf of the Trust. Service Delivery and Improvement Develop and deliver commercial procurement strategies at a divisional level requiring senior stakeholder engagement. Deliver commercial procurement strategies that cover multiple divisions. Support on the delivery of strategic procurement and commercial opportunities ensuring the long term sustainable future of the Trust. Carry out procurements for contracts that require analysis, comparison and assessment. Critically assess markets and competitive behaviour undertaken by all suppliers within the relevant categories and take action to improve or protect the Trusts interests across the whole contract life-cycle. Ensure the provision of procurement advice to operational and corporate departments to support ongoing contract management. Co-ordinate clinical and operational engagement in the selection of new products and equipment including establishing equipment trials, designing feedback questionnaire, collating and reporting results. Ensure catalogues within the relevant categories are maintained and the electronic catalogue management system is maintained and updated. Extract and analyse procurement data to develop and inform the strategic approach to specific procurements, to identify efficiency opportunities and inform the forward work-plan of the team. Authorise purchase orders and contracts in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Delegated Financial Limits. Please see JD for more detail Job description Job responsibilities Communication Engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels and in sensitive situations, delivering difficult messages where required to Trust Directors and senior clinical and operational leaders. Employ effective communication, negotiation and influencing skills to enable stakeholder relationships to deliver objectives over the duration of projects/programmes including where there may be complex and conflicting stakeholder objectives. Build and maintain the reputation of the procurement service as a highly professional and enabling business partnering service. Champion procurement and promote the benefits of leading procurement practices internally and externally, resulting in procurement having a visible and high profile at all levels. Lead the negotiation of complex, multi-year contracts for services and subsequent contract management on behalf of the Trust. Service Delivery and Improvement Develop and deliver commercial procurement strategies at a divisional level requiring senior stakeholder engagement. Deliver commercial procurement strategies that cover multiple divisions. Support on the delivery of strategic procurement and commercial opportunities ensuring the long term sustainable future of the Trust. Carry out procurements for contracts that require analysis, comparison and assessment. Critically assess markets and competitive behaviour undertaken by all suppliers within the relevant categories and take action to improve or protect the Trusts interests across the whole contract life-cycle. Ensure the provision of procurement advice to operational and corporate departments to support ongoing contract management. Co-ordinate clinical and operational engagement in the selection of new products and equipment including establishing equipment trials, designing feedback questionnaire, collating and reporting results. Ensure catalogues within the relevant categories are maintained and the electronic catalogue management system is maintained and updated. Extract and analyse procurement data to develop and inform the strategic approach to specific procurements, to identify efficiency opportunities and inform the forward work-plan of the team. Authorise purchase orders and contracts in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Delegated Financial Limits. Please see JD for more detail Person Specification Experience and Qualifications Essential Procurement qualification Degree or equivalent experience/professional qualification Demonstrate prior experience in a similar role Desirable Previous experience working in an IT-focussed procurement role Skills and ED&I Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role) Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues. Person Specification Experience and Qualifications Essential Procurement qualification Degree or equivalent experience/professional qualification Demonstrate prior experience in a similar role Desirable Previous experience working in an IT-focussed procurement role Skills and ED&I Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role) Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address St Richards Hospital, (Chichester) or Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton) 19 Spitalfield Lane Chichester or Brighton BN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)